U.S. Rep. Brown to skip State of the Union

• She cites "deep health care cuts, reductions in food assistance, and rising costs" affecting Northeast Ohio families and says attending would normalize conduct she views as harmful to democracy.

What she's saying: "There are moments when presence signals respect. And then there are moments when absence signals conscience," she said in a statement.

• She notes that in her local outreach, a majority of 2,500 constituents surveyed urged her to skip the speech.
• Instead of attending, Brown says she'll spend the evening with constituents and continue pushing legislation, including a proposal to redirect ICE funding.

The big picture: Boycotting the address is one of two approaches House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) outlined to Democrats earlier this month, according to Axios — the other being attending in "silent defiance."

Flashback: President Trump's address last year featured Democratic walkouts and noisy disruptions. Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) was ejected and later censured.